System and method for determining a location for a device in a communication network

ABSTRACT

The disclosure recites a system and method of identifying location data for a server device managing communications for a wireless network. The method comprises: obtaining location data for the server device; identifying a location for the server device by analyzing at least the location data; updating data in the server device with the location; identifying a communication transmission range for the location for the server device; and configuring communications generated by the server device to conform to the communication transmission range.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.15/700,806, filed Sep. 11, 2017, which is a continuation of U.S.application Ser. No. 15/205,581, filed Jul. 8, 2016, which is acontinuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 13/193,979, filed Jul. 29,2011. The contents of the above-referenced applications are incorporatedherein by reference.

FIELD OF DISCLOSURE

The disclosure provided herein describes generally a system and methodof determining a location of a device in a communication network. Inparticular, location data is provided to an access point device in thenetwork.

BACKGROUND OF DISCLOSURE

Wireless mobile communication devices perform a variety of functions toenable mobile users to stay organized and in contact with others in acommunication network through e-mail, schedulers and address books.Wireless devices are designed to enter and leave different wirelessnetworks.

Wireless networks utilize communication hubs to communicate with thewireless devices. Some hubs provide access points to their networks.Hubs may be wireless or wired. Management of access to the wirelessnetwork can be controlled through the hubs. When wireless hubs are usedin a network, they move from location to location to connect todifferent interface points to the network. Wired hubs can also be movedto connect to different ports to the network. When a hub is moved or isinitially activated, it may not know or be able to determine itsgeographic location.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Embodiments of the invention will now be described, by way of exampleonly, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a wireless communication network havinga wireless access point communicating with a wireless electroniccommunication device according to an embodiment;

FIG. 2 is a schematic representation of the wireless access point deviceof FIG. 1 implementing location determination and algorithms accordingto an embodiment;

FIG. 3A is a flowchart of exemplary processes executed by a firstalgorithm in the access point of FIG. 2 in determining a location datafor the access point according to an embodiment;

FIG. 3B is a flowchart of exemplary processes executed by a secondalgorithm in the access point of FIG. 2 in identifying a change innetwork conditions and re-determining a location data for the accesspoint according to an embodiment; and

FIG. 4 is a block diagram of certain internal components of the accesspoint of FIG. 2.

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

Exemplary details of embodiments are provided herein. The descriptionwhich follows and the embodiments described therein are provided by wayof illustration of an example or examples of particular embodiments ofprinciples of the present disclosure. These examples are provided forthe purposes of explanation and not limitation of those principles andof the disclosure. In the description which follows, like parts aremarked throughout the specification and the drawings with the samerespective reference numerals.

Generally, an embodiment provides a system and method for determiningand or ascribing a location for a device in a network. The location datacan be used to configure communication parameters for the device.

As a summary of embodiments, in a first aspect, a method of identifyinglocation data for a server device managing communications for a wirelessnetwork is provided. The method comprises: obtaining first location datafor the server device; identifying a location for the server device byanalyzing at least the first location data; updating data in the serverdevice with the location; identifying a communication transmission rangefor the location for the server device; and configuring communicationsgenerated by the server device to conform to the communicationtransmission range.

In the method, the first location data may be provided in a firsttransmission received a first client device in the network.

In the method, the network may be an 802.11-class network; and theserver device may be a wireless access point device.

In the method, identifying the location for the server device mayfurther comprise analyzing second location data from a secondtransmission received from a second network.

In the method, the second network may be a Bluetooth network.

In the method, identifying the location for the server device mayfurther comprise filtering the first and the second location data basedon at least one of time or signal strength parameters.

In the method, identifying the location for the server device maycomprise filtering the first and the second location data based on thesignal strength parameters of signals received by the server device fromthe first and second client devices.

The method may further comprise: extracting second location data from asecond transmission received from the network when a trigger conditionis detected; identifying the location by analyzing at least the secondlocation data; and updating data in the server device with the location.

In the method, the trigger condition may be a loss of communicationbetween the first client device and the server device.

In the method, the network may be a 802.11-class network; the serverdevice may be an access point for the network; and the first locationdata may represent a location of the first client device.

In the method, the network may be a 802.11-class network; the serverdevice may be an access point for the network; and the first locationdata may be provided in a first transmission received the first clientdevice from a second network.

In the method, the communication transmission range may defineimpermissible transmission frequencies for the server device whileassociated with the location.

In the method, the communication transmission range may define an opencommunication transmission band for the location in a televisionbroadcast band for the server device; and the communications generatedby the server device may utilize the open communication transmissionband.

In a second aspect, a method of identifying location data for a wirelessaccess point device managing communications for an 802.11-class networkis provided. The method comprises: extracting first location data from afirst transmission received from a client device in the network;identifying a location for the access point by analyzing at least thefirst location data; updating data in the server device with thelocation; identifying a communication transmission range for thelocation for the access point; and configuring communications generatedby the access point to conform to the communication transmission range.

In the method, the communication transmission range may definetransmission frequencies for use by the access point while associatedwith the location.

The method may further comprise extracting second location data from asecond transmission received from the network. In the method;identifying the location for the access point may further compriseanalyzing the first and the second location data.

In a third aspect, a wireless communication device for processingcommunications from a plurality of wireless devices in a wirelessnetwork is provided. The device comprises: a communication module toprocess communications of a plurality of devices communicating with thewireless device through the wireless network; a location module todetermine a location to be associated with the device based on dataprovided to it; and a communication management module to processcommunications received from the network, to extract location datareceived in the communications, to provide the location data to thelocation module and to configure communications generated by the deviceaccording to a communication transmission range associated with thelocation data.

In the wireless device the network may be an 802.11-class network; andthe server device may be a wireless access point device.

In the wireless device, the communication management module may extractthe location data from a transmission received from a client device inthe network in response to a beacon signal transmitted by the device tothe network.

The wireless device may further comprise a graphical user interface(GUI) module to provide location data relating to the device on adisplay of the device.

In other aspects, various combinations of sets and subsets of the aboveaspects are provided.

For an embodiment, the network may be wired or wireless. An exemplarywired network has a hub (such as a wired access point) that managesconnections for wired and wireless devices. An exemplary wirelessnetwork has a wireless transceiver communicating with wireless devices.The transceiver generates through its antenna a transmission area forsending and receiving wireless transmissions. The transceiver may act asa hub device for the network such that devices can enter thetransmission area and communicate with the transceiver and (attempt to)make connections to the network. In certain configurations for thewireless network, the hub may be a wired device. Communications aregenerally sent from one device to the transceiver and then thetransceiver then sends the communication to the intended second device.Communications with other devices in other networks are channeledthrough the transceiver, which has connections to other transceivers andother servers in the other networks. In certain networks, somecommunications may be sent directly between devices in the area.

For example, in a mobile hotspot Wi-Fi network, a mobile gateway can beprovided, where the gateway acts as an access point (“AP”) to thehotspot. In a hotspot, a given wireless device acts as the gateway to anetwork. This gateway can allow other devices to connect to that deviceso that the other devices can obtain Internet access via the mobilenetwork or communicate with each other. One feature of an embodimentprovides and/or ascribes location data for the AP. Providing suchlocation data to the AP is useful, as a wireless AP may not have properlocation data as it roams around a coverage area for the network.

Having proper, updated location data is useful. The location data can beused to configure transmission characteristics of an AP and to determinewhether or not the AP can operate as a hotspot while it is at (orassociated with) the current location. For example, at a certainlocation it can be known that transmissions at certain frequencies,directions, times and/or power levels would not work given particularfeatures at that location (e.g. mountains, tall buildings, open water,airports, etc.). When the AP is provided with the location data, it canconfigure its transmissions accordingly.

There may also be regulatory issues controlling use of the transmissionspectrum by an AP at a given location from governing spectrum managementbodies (e.g. the Canadian Radio-television and TelecommunicationsCommission in Canada and the Federal Communications Commission in theU.S.). Such restrictions can include restricted transmissions aroundsensitive sites (e.g. military sites, airports, nuclear plant sites,etc.).

Notably, in the U.S. some frequency transmission requirements aredescribed in 47 C.F.R. Section 15.202, which states:

“Client devices that operate in a master/client network may be certifiedif they have the capability of operating outside permissible part 15frequency bands, provided they operate on only permissible part 15frequencies under the control of the master device with which theycommunicate. Master devices marketed within the United States must belimited to operation on permissible part 15 frequencies. Client devicesthat can also act as master devices must meet the requirements of amaster device. For the purposes of this section, a master device isdefined as a device operating in a mode in which it has the capabilityto transmit without receiving an enabling signal. In this mode it isable to select a channel and initiate a network by sending enablingsignals to other devices. A network always has at least one deviceoperating in master mode. A client device is defined as a deviceoperating in a mode in which the transmissions of the device are undercontrol of the master. A device in client mode is not able to initiate anetwork.”Under this Section, which applies to all Section 15 bands (2.4 GHz, 5GHz and television signal bands), the master device, usually the AP,must initiate transmissions. For example, an AP transmits periodic“beacon” signals to its transmission area to provide an initial signalto all devices that may be interested in communicating with it. Oncethat beacon signal is received by a device, the device can respond toit.

Under the current European Union (EU) regulations, a client can initiatea probe request even if it has not first received a beacon signal for2.4 GHz band transmissions. In the 5 GHz transmission band, a client caninitiate a probe request in low-power transmissions in the 5.15 GHz-5.25GHz range. However, in the 5.25 GHz-5.35 GHz and the 5.47 GHz-5.725 GHzbands, an AP may need to first determine if there are any protectedRADARs present on a requested channel and maintain control of all of sclients, such that the clients need to be enabled by the AP before theycan transmit.

Location data may be useful for determining a regulatory domain forcommunication transmissions, including any permissible/restrictedoperating transmit power levels and transmission frequencies. Someregulatory domains have different operating restrictions based on indooror outdoor transmissions. While compliance with local regulatoryrequirements by an embodiment is desirable, in certain situations andenvironments, full compliance with such regulations may not be providedin some instances. Technical functionalities of embodiments providedherein are not diminished if in certain circumstances, some localregulatory requirements are not met.

Also, location data can be used to determine the presence of any usedand/or unused transmission bands for other transmissions. For example,for an IEEE 802.11af network, investigations are being made for Wi-Fitransmissions to be carried in so-called television transmission“whitespaces”. In this case, operating parameters can use location andneed to access a network entity to determine whether there are unusedtelevision bands available for communications.

In view of the above issues, an embodiment can use the location data toidentify communication transmissionrestrictions/requirements/characteristics for a given location for an ARThe restrictions may be based on regulatory requirements or otherconstraints, based on physical restrictions, geographic issues,topological issues, adjacent network issues, etc.

With some restriction issues described, further detail is provided on anexemplary network for an embodiment. In one configuration for thenetwork, the transceiver and the devices have a “server/client”relationship, where the transceiver is the “server” device for the areaand the wireless devices are the “clients”. In some networks, the servermay be a fixed device, such as a wireless router directly connected to aphysical wired Ethernet port in a network. The server operates as a nodefor the network and channels communications from the client devicesintended for other devices in the network through the server device,acting as a node. Other networks may have a non-fixed server, such asanother wireless device. For the purposes of convenience, and notlimitation, the term “fixed” is used herein to describe a device thattypically is not mobile, typically has a physical connection to itsnetwork (e.g. through an Ethernet port) and typically is powered by apower connection to a utility network (through a power cord). The term“non-fixed” is used herein to describe a device that typically ismobile, typically makes a wireless connection to its network and otherdevices and typically is powered by a self contained power source (e.g.through a battery). The terms “server/clients” refer generally todevices that are related in some hierarchical network manner. Otherterms may be used to describe comparable device relationships for anembodiment, such as “master/slave”, “network node/client”, “accesspoint/clients”, etc.

Features of an embodiment may be more relevant for a non-fixed server,but principles can be applied to a fixed server device. Features of anembodiment can be provided in a remote device, such as another server,that communicates with the servers and clients through the network.

For fixed or non-fixed servers, an embodiment provides two features thatcan operate either independently or in conjunction with each other.First, an embodiment provides processes for identifying a location datafor an access point in a network. Once location data is determined, anembodiment can then configure network parameters and/or transmissioncharacteristics for the AP and its associated devices. Second, anembodiment provides processes to manage and monitor for updates to thelocation data. If an update is determined to be needed, then thelocation data are updated. The embodiment can then re-configure thenetwork parameters and/or the transmission characteristics for the APand its associated devices for the updated location. Each of the twofeatures is discussed in more detail below.

Before discussing more details on the two features, a description isprovided on a network having a device, as a server, that providesconnections to other devices, as clients, according to an embodiment.Then, detail is provided on an exemplary wireless device related to anembodiment. Then, further detail is provided on connection managementfeatures related to controlling how, when and what devices can accessthe network.

To begin, details are provided on an exemplary network and devices inwhich an embodiment operates.

Referring to FIG. 1, details on a system of exemplary networks andcommunication devices according to an embodiment are provided. FIG. 1shows communication system 100 where network 102 provides access to asuite of applications, services and data to its connected devices 104through its associated servers. Network 102 can be implemented in anyknown architecture, providing wired and/or wireless connections to itselements. It will be appreciated that in other embodiments, variousnetworks and subnetworks as described herein may be incorporated intoother networks.

In network 102, one or more interface servers (not shown) providehardware and software systems to allow network 102 to communicate withother networks. As part of a typical network architecture, thesenetworks are typically are organized following a layered model ofnetwork functions, such as an OSI model. As is known in the art, the OSImodel defines seven layers where each layer controls functions ofspecific network/connection/applications. Some exemplary networks thatare connected and connectable to network 102 are described.

Local area network (LAN) 106 is connected to network 102 and provideslocal wired and wireless connections to its devices 104 and 104 a.Internet 116 may be connected to network 102.

A wireless network provides wireless communication coverage to devicesthat are located within the wireless transmission area of the WAN. InFIG. 1, one exemplary wireless network is a Wide Area Network (WAN) 108.Devices 110 have wireless communication capabilities with one or morewireless networks (described later). WAN 108 may have multipletransmission areas by having multiple communication towers. A WANnetwork can be provided by a cellular communications company, such asVerizon (trade-mark).

Network 112 is a Wi-Fi network generally following standards set by theIEEE LAN/MAN Standards Committee, known as IEEE 802, through its workinggroup “11”. The 802.11 standard defines media access control (MAC) andphysical (PHY) layers in the OSI protocol model for WLAN. The family of802.11 amendments is sometimes referred to as the 802.11x family.Currently, the 802.11 amendments encompass six wireless modulationtechniques that all use the same communication protocol among theircommunicating elements. Other modulation techniques may be used. Currentversions of 802.11 networks include: 802.11a, b, g, n and p,representing PHY amendments to IEEE 802.11. Other protocols are definedin standards covered by 802.11aa/ad/ah/af/ . . . specifications.Specific transmission details and parameters of these networks andchannels are known to those of skill in the art.

Wireless devices 110 communicate with each other through the data linklayer in network 112, In an exemplary environment, network 112 is alocal, geographically small, wireless network. Wireless devices 110include handheld devices, cell phones and computers (either desktop orportable) having a (wireless) network card, network adapter and/ornetwork interface controller (“NIC”) installed therein.

Network 112 includes access point (AP) 114 and supporting radiotransmission equipment known to those skilled in the art. In network112, AP 114 a contains an IEEE 802.11 radio receiver/transmitter (ortransceiver) and functions as a bridge between network 112 and othernetworks (such as network 102, LAN 106 and/or network 108) for itscarried communications. AP 114 a provides data distribution servicesamong devices 110, such as devices 110 a and 110 b, within network 112and between devices 110 in network 112 and other devices in otherconnected networks. AP 114 a may be a non-fixed wireless device, and assuch AP 114 is effectively another wireless device 110, Functionalitiesfor AP 114 may be provided in devices 110. For example, device 110 c mayhave capabilities to be a Wi-Fi hotspot host and operate as AP 114 b. AsAP 114 is the data distribution point for network 112, it will be seenthat the transmission area is centered on AP 114. As AP 114 moves (as itis a non-fixed device), its transmission area for network 112 will movewith it. Other APs may be used as bridges for other networks. It will beseen that an AP is be one form of a server device and that devices 110are one form of client devices for a network.

For an 802.11 network, a “station” is a basic component in the network.A station is any device that implements the functionality of an 802.11protocol and has a connection to a wireless local area network.Typically, the 802.11 connection and communication functions areimplemented in hardware and software and may be provided in a networkconnection circuit or system in a NIC at the station. A station may beany device, including a laptop computer, device 104, wireless device110, or an AP 114. Stations may be mobile, portable, or stationary. Allstations support the 802.11 station services of authentication,de-authentication, privacy, and data delivery. For the purposes of anembodiment as it relates to 802.11 standards, devices 110 may beconsidered to be stations.

A service set (SS) is defined as all devices (or stations) associatedwith a specific local or enterprise 802.11 wireless LAN(s), A serviceset identifier (“SSID”) is a unique 32-character network name, oridentifier, that is created and associated with a particular WLAN 112. Abasic service set (BSS) is defined a single access point with all itsassociated stations. An Extended Service Set (ESS) is a set of one ormore basic service sets interconnected through a distribution system(DS) to form a single local area network.

In a Wi-Fi network, communications between AP 114 and device 110 areencoded in standardized “frames” of data. Several classes of frames aredefined, including management frames, control frames and data frames.Management frames are used to establish and maintain communicationsbetween AP 114 and device 110. Further detail is provided on some typesof management frames.

A beacon frame is a management frame that is periodically broadcast byAP 114 (e.g. every 100 ms) to provide a signal of its presence to thecommunication boundaries of its network. The body of a beacon framecontains: a beacon interval, providing the amount of time between beacontransmissions; a timestamp, which may be used by a station tosynchronize itself and update its local clock; and the SSID of thenetwork 112 of the AP 114. The beacon frame can also provide: dataindicating the supported transmission rates of network 112; dataregarding the signalling parameters of network 112, such as frequencyhopping spread spectrum, direct sequence spread spectrum, etc.; data onthe capabilities of network 112; and data providing a traffic indicationmap (TIM). The beacon frame can contain regulatory operating informationsuch as a list of permissible channels and bands as well as transmitpower levels. The beacon frame includes a frame header and cyclicredundancy checking (CRC) field. The destination address of the frame isset to all 1's, which is the broadcast MAC address. This will cause allother stations on the applicable channel to process a received beaconframe. Other embodiments may selectively broadcast a beacon or may varythe broadcast transmission parameters upon satisfaction of presetconditions.

Devices 110 and their NICs may continually scan some or all 802.11 radiochannels and listen for beacons. There may be a filter to listen or notlisten for specific beacons. If multiple beacons are received frommultiple APs, then device 110 may evaluate the parameters of theunderlying networks to identify a most suitable network. Thereafter, thedevice would then attempt to establish communications to that networkthrough the selected AP.

Before a device 110 can be associated with network 112, it may need toobtain the SSID of AP 114 a. Generally, a network identificationscanning functions (such as those functions provided by Windows XP,trade-mark) is provided on device 110 to allow the device to process thenetwork information in a received beacon signal. Such functions canextract the SSID data to configure device 110 and its associated NICwith the proper SSID for that WLAN.

Authentication frames are another type of management frame and they areused to initiate a connection request between device 110 and AP 114. InWi-Fi protocols, authentication is a process where AP 114 either acceptsor rejects the identity of device 110. Device 110 begins authenticationby generating and sending an authentication frame containing itsidentity to AP 114. In one embodiment authentication would be initiatedonly after device 110 has received a beacon signal from AP 114. In oneconfiguration, device 110 always needs to scan to discover network 112,prior to authenticating to network 112. Scanning can be active orpassive. In active scan, probe frames are used, which are another classof frames. Active scanning is done by device 110 sending a probe requestframe to AP 114 and receiving a probe response frame. Other messagingprotocols may be used outside of the Wi-Fi standard protocols. In otherembodiments, authentication may be initiated by device 110 before abeacon signal is received by it. Timing of when and how device 110communicates with AP 114 may be regulated by local governing bodies fora particular jurisdiction. AP 114 is expected to respond with anauthentication frame indicating acceptance (or rejection) of theauthentication frame.

Additional data, such as shared key authentication data can be exchangedbetween device 110 and AP 114 in subsequent authentication frames.Therein, device 110 would first send an initial authentication frame andthe authentication protocol would be that AP 114 would respond with anauthentication frame containing challenge text. Device 110 is thenexpected to send an encrypted version of the challenge text (using itskey) in an authentication frame to AP 114. AP 114 would evaluate whetherdevice 110 has the correct key by determining whether or not thechallenge text recovered after decryption is the same that was sentpreviously. From this analysis, AP 114 provides a response to device 110with an authentication frame signifying the result of authentication.

Association frames are another type of management frames. Associationallows AP 114 to allocate resources for and synchronize with device 110.Following an authentication request, device 110 initiates an associationprocess by sending an association request to AP 114. AP 114 wouldprocess the request and send an association response frame containing anacceptance or rejection notice to device 110. If AP 114 accepts device110, device 110 can connect to network 112 through AP 114. As such AP114 will either accept or deny access to network 112 for device 110depending on whether or not “new” devices are to be accepted intonetwork 112.

Other frames in other classes may also be used to transmit status anddata between entities. Other messaging protocols may be used outside ofthe Wi-Fi standard protocols.

With some network features identified, further detail is provided on AP114 in network 112. FIG. 2 provides general features of AP 114 (and/ordevice 110) in accordance with an embodiment of the disclosure. In thepresent embodiment, AP 114/device 110 is based on a computing platformhaving functionality of an enhanced personal digital assistant withcellphone and e-mail features. It is, however, to be understood that AP114; device 110 can be based on construction design and functionality ofother electronic devices, such as smart telephones, desktop computers,tablet devices, pagers or laptops having telephony equipment. In apresent embodiment, AP 114 includes a housing 200, a display 202 (whichmay be a liquid crystal display—LCD), speaker 204, an LED indicator 206,an input device 208 (which may be a trackpad, trackball, thumbwheel orother input device), an ESC (“escape”) key 210, keypad 212, a telephoneheadset comprised of an ear bud 214 and a microphone 216. ESC key 210can be inwardly depressed along the path of arrow “A” as a means toprovide additional input to AP 114/device 110.

It will be understood that housing 200 can be made from any suitablematerial as will occur to those of skill in the art and may be suitablyformed to house and hold all components of AP 114/device 110.

AP 114/device 110 is operable to conduct wireless telephone calls, usingany wireless phone system, such as for example a Global System forMobile Communications (GSM) system, Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA)system, wireless CDMA, CDMA 2000 system, Cellular Digital Packet Data(CDPD) system and Time Division Multiple Access (TDMA) system. Otherwireless phone systems can include Wireless WAN (IMS), Wireless MAN(Wi-max or IEEE 802.16), Wireless LAN (IEEE 802.1x), Wireless PAN (IEEE802.15 and Bluetooth), high-speed data packet access (HSDPA) networks,etc. and any others that support voice. Additionally, a Bluetoothnetwork may be supported. Other embodiments include Voice over IP (VoIP)type streaming data communications that can simulate circuit-switchedphone calls. Ear bud 214 can be used to listen to phone calls and othersound messages and microphone 216 can be used to speak into and inputsound messages to AP 114/device 110.

AP 114/device 110 is a processor-controlled device (not shown). Softwareapplications operating on AP 114/device 110 control its operations andnetwork connections to implement the three features. Further detail onselected applications for an embodiment is provided later.

AP 114 may operate as a dual-mode modem, Its mobile data communicationfunctions allow it to make WAN connections and allow it to deliver voiceand e-mails to user of AP 114. Its Wi-Fi connections (acting as aserver) enable delivery of data to other devices 110 (e.g. a remotewireless device) simultaneously. Since wireless AP 114 is portable, itmay move. As such, its wireless coverage for network 112 and devices 110are dynamic, each independently potentially ranging from non-existent,to poor, to adequate, to good and to excellent (with values in-between).As such, overall throughput between wireless AP 114 and device 110 candepend on an instantaneous wireless signal quality of two PHY layers,namely a Physical Coding Sublayer (PCS) and a Physical Medium Dependent(PMD) layer. The PCS encodes and decodes the data that is transmittedand received.

With some functions of AP 114 described, further detail is provided oncommunication management processes conducted by AP 114. Referring toFIG. 3A, process 300(a) shows an exemplary location identificationalgorithm operating on AP 114 (or operating on a remote device thatprovides information to it).

Flow chart 300(a) is initiated with start process 302(a), which may beinitiated automatically after a defined event. Some other event triggersmay include powering-up of AP 114, resetting of communication parametersof AP 114, passage of a set amount of time since a last location update,detection that AP 114 has entered a new network transmission area, andscheduled location checks by device 110 either at periodic intervals,episodically and/or after a triggering event. From start process 302(a),chart 300(a) moves to process 304(a), where AP 114 obtains/requests datafor its current location data. The location data may be obtained from aninternal process on AP 114. For an internal process, AP 114 maydetermine its current location data from accessing GPS data, which maybe provided from an internal GPS device (for example GPS module 436,FIG. 4) or from previous location data stored in AP 114.

Additionally or alternatively, as part of process 304(a), if AP 114 isto determine its location data from an external source, AP 114 initiatesan external request to provide its current location data. The requestmay be submitted to network 112. For example, AP 114 may send a requestfor its location data to network 112 and a response may be provided toit from a server or a device in the network. The device may be a devicedifferent from device 110, e.g. it may be a server that provideslocation data to its requesting entities. Location data may bedetermined from GPS data and/or other data (e.g. address information).

For network 112, if AP 114 was seeking location information in anenvironment where there were one, two or more devices 110 in itscommunication range, then AP 114 may use other algorithms to seeklocation data. Therein, a relationship between AP 114 and a locationstation (e.g. device 110 having a designated location data) is sought,or at least a handshake between the two. In pairing the two, on setup,the location station may be configured to allow it to provide locationdata to AP 114. This provisioning can be provided through a differentnetwork (e.g. a Bluetooth transmission). In another feature AP 114 maybe provided with location data from device 110 through informationprovided over the same network. For example, in an access network queryprotocol (ANQP), AP 114 may be provided with location data for device110 through data encoded in a reply from device 110 to AP 114 from anANQP query that is querying for location information by AP 114.Additionally, in certain contexts, device 110 may have additionallocation information. For example under a wireless access in vehicularenvironments (WAVE) protocol per IEEE 802.11p standards, device 110 maybe imputed with certain local status data (e.g. device 110 is in or notin a vehicle) and/or other location data (e.g. geographic location ofthe vehicle and/or device 110).

Alternatively, AP 114 may send information over the WLAN to discover astation with “location” capabilities; for this situation, AP 114 mayfirst need to acquire its operating parameters before attempting todiscover any stations per a local regulatory regime. Complete operatingparameters may include location information. This situation may beaddressed by ignoring the restriction, using “primer” data as aplaceholder for incomplete information and/or obtaining location datathrough alternative channels before a transmission is made to thenetwork through an external source described herein.

If location data for AP 114 is incomplete, the primer data may includelocation data that is currently accessible to the device (e.g. eitherinternally or through another network). Internal local data may includea default location, an original location used when AP 114 was firstactivated/configured, location data used when AP 114 was last activatedfor that network or the last known location of AP 114. The primerlocation data provide an approximate location of AP 114 (e.g. in apostal code, in a city, in a province/state, in a time zone, in acountry, in a continent, etc.). AP 114 may subsequently update itslocation data through additional information provided through anexternal source and/or network 112.

As part of the request for location data from an external source, AP 114can attempt to obtain its location data from device 110 in network 112.Location data from a given device 110 may be provided as part of anauthentication routine for device 110 when it is communicating with AP114. For example, when device 110 initially enters the coverage area forAP 114, device 110 generally waits for an expected Wi-Fi beacon signalfrom AP 114. Once the beacon signal is received, device 110 may generateand send an authentication frame containing its identity to AP 114. Inone network configuration, AP 114 can only transmit a beacon signal whenit is operational. However, if AP 114 is to operate, in one embodiment,it needs to know the local regulatory information. A station (e.g.device 110) may transmit location information to the AP 114 in an out ofband transmission (e.g. over a different, second network, such as aBluetooth network). Alternatively and/or additionally, AP 114 maydetermine an operating channel and power level that is a predetermineddefault (e.g. that may be accepted worldwide) and then AP 114 mayinclude an element in a beacon signal to advertise that it requireslocation information. When the station receives the beacon signal, thestation can respond with a management frame containing regulatoryinformation. Thereafter AP 114 can set its regulatory information andbegin operation.

Alternatively and/or additionally, there is a location element definedin IEEE 802.11 which could be used to determine the location, such as alocation information request element. AP 114 may use either a beacon ora measurement pilot frame containing either a capability fieldindicating that the location is not known and/or an information elementindicating that the location is not known.

A station in network 112 (e.g. device 110) may provide a transmission toAP 114 where location information in carried in one or more oftransmission elements: a location information response element; a proberequest; a probe response; or an authentication frame containinglocation information. The authentication frame may include and/or befollowed by data relating to the location of device 110. The locationdata may be based on GPS data internally generated by device 110, storeddata relating to its location, location data determined from an analysisof its transmissions with its cellular towers and/or other locationdata.

Location data derived from GPS data is generally considered to be moreprecise than location data derived from cellular tower data. Locationdata can have different levels of granularity. For example, the locationdata can provide one or more ofcountry/province/region/territory/city/postal code and/or streetinformation, Location data may be derived from other data, such as ananalysis of strengths of transmission signals received/sent by device110, data regarding known available networks to device 110, sensor datawhere device 110 starts from a known location and then internally tracksits movement and updates its location and other data. Device 110 maydetermine a location from measuring signals from towers usingtriangulation and/or other timing of arrival of data from a transmitter.

Next, at process 306(a), once location data is obtained, AP 114identifies its location using any of the location data provided from theinternal process and or data provided from an external source. It ispossible that AP 114 receives multiple location data points. In such asituation, AP 114 may synthesize and analyze all the location datareceived to identify a deemed location. For example, AP 114 may receivemultiple location data from multiple devices 110 as they respond tobeacon signals. The total set of location data may be filtered. Filterscan be provided to include/exclude data received in a defined period oftime and/or since a defined event. Data from any internal processes maybe collected and filtered on comparable bases.

From a resulting group of location data, a further evaluation may beconducted to identify a deemed location for AP 114. The furtherevaluation may be based on time/event filtering parameters and/or otherparameters, including a weighting parameter to identify the mostfrequently cited location(s) and/or an evaluation of a reliability ofthe data provided by sending device 110. One filter is to discardlocation data attributed from devices 110 that have communicationsignals to AP 114 that are below a determined threshold. A low strengthcommunication signal from a first device 110 may indicate that the firstdevice 110 is far away from AP 114. As such, location data for thatdevice 110 may be deemed to not be reliable and/or relevant for thelocation of AP 114. Conversely, a high strength communication signalfrom a second device 110 may indicate that the second device 110 is nearto AP 114. As such, location data for the second device 110 may bedeemed to be reliable and/or relevant for the location of AP 114, as ahigher confidence can be afforded to the location data from the seconddevice 110 as being relevant to AP 114.

Next, at process 308(a), once a location is identified by AP 114, it mayidentify radio frequency transmission requirements for the determinedlocation. The requirements may define certain transmission frequencyrange(s) that are permissible for use, must be used and/or areimpermissible for use. As noted above, certain geographic locations mayrequire and/or restrict frequency communications and/or impose certaincommunication protocols for AP 114. For example, for a given countrycode (e.g. EU countries), there may be restrictions on using certainbands in the frequency spectrum (e.g. those that interfere with RADARspectrums). As such, when the determined location is deemed to be in anEU country, transmissions from AP may be limited to such frequencybands. As another example, for a given country code, restrictions can beprovided to limit network scans to certain channels. This would have theeffect of avoiding non-necessary channel scans, thereby savingtransmission and power resources of AP 114. Another mechanism wouldissue a query to a network resource to determine whether it can operateon a particular frequency. This can be used when searching forwhitespace television transmission bands (or other transmission bands)in searching for unused television broadcast bands. The aim is toidentify an open communication transmission band for the location in atelevision broadcast band for AP 114 and then to configuringcommunications generated by AP 114 to utilize an open communicationtransmission band. The query could be done through a paired device withcellular capability, A database accessed by AP 114 can be providedcontaining a list of geographic location and relevant transmissionranges for each location.

Next, at process 310(a), once radio frequency transmission requirementsare identified for the determined location, AP 114 can format itstransmissions and/or communication protocols to conform to at least someof such requirements. Once the transmission parameters are set, AP 114functions as a typical AP, with its known location data.

A graphical user interface (GUI) may be provided on AP 114 that displaysupdated location data on its display and details on how the location wasdetermined. The GUI may also provide details on the communicationconfigurations made in view of the determined location.

Referring to FIG. 3B, it will be appreciated that AP 114, as a wirelessdevice, is mobile and can move. As such, it is possible that the currentlocation data for AP 114 becomes outdated as it moves or after passageof a certain amount of time. For example, AP 114 may be situated in acar when its location is determined per flow chart 300(a). When AP 114identifies a first location, it is associated with that first locationand can configure its transmissions according to any restrictionassociated with that location. However, as the car travels, its actuallocation AP 114 changes, while its associated location remains aspreviously set. Also, devices 110 that are communicating with AP 114 maychange. As such, to address this situation, a further process isprovided for AP 114 to periodically and/or occasionally update thelocation data associated with it.

In FIG. 3B, further detail is provided on monitoring forchanging/updating location data associated with AP 114 in flow chart300(b), It will be seen that flow chart 300(b) shares some processeswith flow chart 300(a).

Flow chart 300(b) initiates with start/monitor process 302(b). Themonitor process may be initiated automatically completion of flow chart300(a) (FIG. 3A). The monitoring may be initiated after detection of atriggering event. The triggering event may be one or more defined events(e.g. powering on of AP 114, resetting of its communication parameters,passage of a set amount of time since a last location update, detectionof connection change for one or more of its devices 110, etc.).

An embodiment also provides intermediary changes to its transmissionsand/or communication protocols when triggering events are detected by AP114. The events can relate to a change in status of AP 114 and/or achange in status of an element in network 112, e.g, device 110. Forexample, if loss of a connection to a particular device 110 is detected,AP 114 may consider this to be a triggering event. That particulardevice 110 may be the original device that provided AP 114 with itslocation data. Loss of a connection to that particular device 110 mayindicate a change in a location for AP 114. When such a loss of aconnection is detected, AP 114 may initiate processes to change itsoperating parameters for its network 112. For example, AP 114 may changea cadence of its transmission of probe/beacon signals. The cadence maybe increased or decreased from its current value. By increasing thecadence, AP 114 is attempting to re-connect with the “lost” device 110sooner. Alternatively, upon loss of a specific connection signal, AP 114may deem that its location data is no longer valid and cannot betrusted. As such, it may initiate a tear down command for allconnections in its network 112. In order to re-establish location data,AP 114 can then send a new beacon signal to establish a new network ofconnections and to obtain new location data from devices 110. Otherchanges can be provided when there is a gain of a new device 110.Monitoring for these intermediary triggering events can be provided inprocess 302(b) and/or can be provided in a background process thatoperates on AP 114.

Once the monitoring process 302(b) has determined that a triggeringevent has occurred and that revised location data for AP 114 is needed,processes 304(b), 306(b), 308(b) and 310(b) follow comparable processesas recited earlier for processes 304(a), 306(a), 308(a) and 310(a).

With aspects of the two features of an embodiment described, furtherdetail is now provided on internal components in AP 114.

Referring to FIG. 4, functional components of AP 114/device 110 areprovided in schematic 400. The functional components are generallyelectronic, structural or electro-mechanical devices. In particular,processor 402 is provided to control and receive almost all data,transmissions, inputs and outputs related to AP 114/device 110.Processor 402 is shown schematically as coupled to keypad 212 and otherinternal devices. Processor 402 preferably controls the overalloperation of AP 114/device 110 and its components. Exemplary processorsfor processor 402 include microprocessors in the Data 950 (trade-mark)series, the 6200 series and the PXA900 series, all available at one timefrom Intel Corporation. Processor 402 is connected to other elements inAP 114/device 110 through a series of electrical connections to itsvarious input and output pins. Processor 402 has an IRQ input line whichallows it to receive signals from various devices and modules.Appropriate interrupt firmware is provided which receives and reacts tothe signals detected on the IRQ line. An interrupt signal may be used toindicate a request to terminate the segmented scanning mode of anembodiment.

In addition to processor 402, other internal devices of AP 114/device110 are shown schematically in FIG. 4. These include: display 202;speaker 204; keypad 212; communication sub-system 404; short-rangecommunication sub-system 406; auxiliary I/O devices 408; serial port410; microphone port 412 for microphone 216; flash memory 414 (whichprovides persistent storage of data); random access memory (RAM) 416;clock 418 and other device sub-systems (not shown). AP 114 is preferablya two-way radio frequency (RF) communication device having voice anddata communication capabilities. In addition, AP 114 preferably has thecapability to communicate with other computer systems via the Internet.

Operating system software executed by processor 402 is preferably storedin a computer-readable medium, such as flash memory 414, but may bestored in other types of memory devices, such as read-only memory (ROM)or similar storage element. In addition, system software, specificdevice applications, or parts thereof, may be temporarily loaded into avolatile store, such as RAM 416. Communication signals received by themobile device may also be stored to RAM 416.

In addition to an operating system operating on AP 114/device 110,additional software modules 420 enable execution of softwareapplications on AP 114/device 110. A set of software (or firmware)applications, generally identified as applications 420, that controlbasic device operations, such as voice communication module 420A anddata communication module 420B, may be installed on AP 1141 device 110during manufacture or downloaded thereafter. As well, other softwaremodules are provided, such as calendar module 420C and address book420D.

Location module 420E receives location data from internal processes andexternal sources noted above. Internal processes provided data from GPS436. External sources include data provided from devices 114 and otherdevices in network 112. Ranking and location identification algorithm asdescribed in exemplary processes 306(a) and 306(b) may be performed bylocation module 420E. Once location data is determined, the informationis provided to communication management module (CMM) 420F for furtherprocessing. Location module 420E may also monitor for events (or monitorfor events with other modules 420) that satisfy triggering condition(s),which would then force AP 114 to restart its location data analysis.

Messages received and/or generated by any module 420 may be processed bydata communications module 420B. Messages may be transmitted/received innetwork layer communications, emails, and/or other messaging systems tonetwork 112 and/or devices 110. Module 420B receives messages fromexternal devices 110, extracts relevant information from them andprovides the information to relevant modules such as CMM 420F. Module420B notifications from modules 420 (such as CMM 420F and locationmodule 420E), extracts relevant information from them and generates andsends messages containing relevant information to the messages tonetwork 112, including to devices 110. Messages relating to network 112for device 110, when operating as an AP are processed separately by themodules from other non-network 112 communications (e.g. cellularcommunications) processed by device 110.

CMM 420F is software and/or firmware that controls how and whencommunications are packaged and transmitted following a communicationprotocol. The selected communication protocol is based on the locationdata for AP 114 as provided in flow charts 300(a) and 300(b) (FIGS. 3Aand 3B). Communications and data are streamed through eithercommunication modules 404 or 406. CMM 420F may also receive signals fromother modules providing information to it on other modules that areusing communication modules 404 or 406.

Location GUI module (LGM) 420G is software and/or firmware that providesGUIs in generating display screens on display 202 of AP 114 providinglocation and network information as noted earlier.

Additional modules such as personal information manager (PIM)application may be provided. Any module may be installed duringmanufacture or downloaded thereafter into AP 114/device 110.

Data associated with each application, the status of one or morenetworks, profiles for networks and trigger conditions for commands fornetworks can be stored and updated in flash memory 414.

Communication functions, including data and voice communications, areperformed through the communication sub-system 404 and the short-rangecommunication sub-system 406. Collectively, sub-systems 404 and 406provide the signal-level interface for all communication technologiesprocessed by AP 114. Various applications 420 provide the operationalcontrols to further process and log the communications. Communicationsub-system 404 includes receiver 422, transmitter 424 and one or moreantennas, illustrated as receive antenna 426 and transmit antenna 428.In addition, communication sub-system 404 also includes processingmodules, such as digital signal processor (DSP) 430 and localoscillators (LOs) 432. The specific design and implementation ofcommunication sub-system 404 is dependent upon the communication networkin which AP 114/device 110 is intended to operate. For example,communication sub-system 404 of AP 114/device 110 may operate with theMobitex (trade-mark), DataTAC (trade-mark) or General Packet RadioService (GPRS) mobile data communication networks and also operate withany of a variety of voice communication networks, such as 802.11networks, Bluetooth networks, Advanced Mobile Phone Service (AMPS), TimeDivision Multiple Access (TDMA), Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA),CDMA 2000, Personal Communication Service (PCS), Global System forMobile Communication (GSM), WWAN (cellular), WMAN (Wi-max), WLAN(Wi-Fi), and WPAN (Bluetooth) in other disclosures, etc, Other types ofdata and voice (telephonic) networks, both separate and integrated, mayalso be utilized with AP 114/device 110, In any event, communicationsub-system 404 provides AP 114/device 110 with the capability ofcommunicating with other devices using various communicationtechnologies, including instant messaging (IM) systems, text messaging(TM) systems and short message service (SMS) systems.

Short-range communication sub-system 406 enables communication betweendevice 110 and other proximate systems or devices, which need notnecessarily be similar devices. For example, the short-rangecommunication sub-system may include an infrared device and associatedcircuits and components, a Wi-Fi or a Bluetooth (trade-mark)communication module to provide for communication with similarly enabledsystems and devices, Sub-system 406 may have one or more inputs oroutputs to sub-system 404 in processing signals for its networks.

In addition to processing communication signals, DSP 430 providescontrol of receiver 426 and transmitter 424. For example, gains appliedto communication signals in receiver 426 and transmitter 424 may beadaptively controlled through automatic gain-control algorithmsimplemented in DSP 430. One particular operational aspect of receiver422 and antenna 426 is that they may need to be tuned to receive signalsin the 802.11 network bands, e.g. signals in the 2.4 GHz to 5.8 GHzrange for sub-systems 406 and if needed, sub-system 404. Additionalfilters on antennas may also be used to provide such functionality.

Receiver 422 and antenna 426 provide at least some of the hardware andsoftware elements needed to detect when AP 114/device 110 is in thepresence of communication signals from networks 108 and 110, therebyenabling AP 114/device 110 to communicate with other devices in networks108 and 112.

Powering the entire electronics of the mobile handheld communicationdevice is power source 434. In one embodiment, the power source 434includes one or more batteries. In another embodiment, the power source434 is a single battery pack, especially a rechargeable battery pack. Apower switch (not shown) provides an “on/off” switch for AP 114/device110. A power source interface (not shown) may be provided in hardware,firmware, software or a combination of such elements to selectivelycontrol access of components in AP 114/device 110 to power source 434,Upon activation of the power switch an application 420 is initiated toturn on AP 114/device 110. Upon deactivation of the power switch, anapplication 420 is initiated to turn off AP 114/device 110. Power to AP114/device 110 may also be controlled by other devices and by softwareapplications 420.

AP 114/device 110 may also have global positioning system 436 to assistin identifying a present location of AP 114 and may also have lightsensor 438 to provide data on the ambient light conditions for AP 114.

Although an embodiment has been described in terms ofidentifying/maintaining server/client device hierarchies in a wirelessnetwork, such as an 802.11 network, the features of an embodiment can beprovided in coordinate aspects of different connections among differentdevices in different networks.

It will be appreciated that location module 420E, CMM 420F, LGM 420G andother modules in the embodiments can be implemented using knownprogramming techniques, languages and algorithms. Although the modulesdescribed are implemented in AP 114, it will be appreciated that somefunctions of the modules may be provided in a separate server that is incommunication with AP 114 and/or devices 110. Titles of the modules areprovided as a convenience to provide labels and assign functions tocertain modules. It is not required that each module perform only itsfunctions as described above. As such, specific functionalities for eachapplication may be moved between applications or separated intodifferent applications. Modules may be contained within other modules,Different signalling techniques may be used to communicate informationbetween applications using known programming techniques. Known datastorage, access and update algorithms allow data to be shared betweenapplications. It will further be appreciated that other applications andsystems on device 110 may be executing concurrently with other modules.As such, any of modules 420 (or parts thereof) may be structured tooperate in as a “background” application on AP 114, using programmingtechniques known in the art.

It will be appreciated that the embodiments relating to client devices,server devices and systems may be implemented in a combination ofelectronic hardware, firmware and software. The firmware and softwaremay be implemented as a series of processes, applications and/or modulesthat provide the functionalities described herein. The algorithms andprocesses described herein may be executed in different order(s).Interrupt routines may be used. Data may be stored in volatile andnon-volatile devices described herein and may be updated by thehardware, firmware and/or software.

As used herein, the wording “and/or” is intended to represent aninclusive-or. That is, “X and/or Y” is intended to mean X or Y or both.

In this disclosure, where a threshold or measured value is provided asan approximate value (for example, when the threshold is qualified withthe word “about”), a range of values will be understood to be valid forthat value. For example, for a threshold stated as an approximate value,a range of about 25% larger and 25% smaller than the stated value may beused. Thresholds, values, measurements and dimensions of features areillustrative of embodiments and are not limiting unless noted. Further,as an example, a “sufficient” match with a given threshold may be avalue that is within the provided threshold, having regard to theapproximate value applicable to the threshold and the understood rangeof values (over and under) that may be applied for that threshold.

The present disclosure is defined by the claims appended hereto, withthe foregoing description being merely illustrative of embodiments ofthe disclosure. Those of ordinary skill may envisage certainmodifications to the foregoing embodiments which, although notexplicitly discussed herein, do not depart from the scope of thedisclosure, as defined by the appended claims.

1. A method of identifying location data for a device in order toinitiate communications for a wireless network using a radio technology,comprising: retrieving, at the device, location data from at least oneof: an internal global positioning system (GPS) module, or an analysisof transmissions with a cellular network, wherein the location data isused to determine a regulatory domain for communication transmissions ofthe device, including any permissible/restricted operating transmitpower levels; and re-starting the retrieving of the location datafollowing an event trigger, wherein the event trigger is at least oneof: the powering up of the device, or the passage of a set amount oftime since a last location update.
 2. The method of claim 1, wherein thedevice is an access point.
 3. The method of claim 2, wherein thewireless network is an IEEE 802.11-class network.
 4. The method of claim1, wherein the device is a master device.
 5. The method of claim 1,wherein the location data represents a location of the device in thewireless network.
 6. The method of claim 1, further comprising:determining the regulatory domain according to the location data;retrieving transmission parameters corresponding to the regulatorydomain from a memory of the device; and configuring one or more of (i) atransmission frequency range and (ii) a transmission power according tothe transmission parameters.
 7. The method of claim 1, wherein analysisof transmissions with the cellular network includes receiving atransmission from a client device that contains location information ofthe client device.
 8. A device, comprising: a communications sub-systemhaving a transmitter and a receiver; and a processor connected with thecommunications sub-system and configured to: retrieve location data fromat least one of: an internal global positioning system (GPS) module, oran analysis of transmissions with a cellular network, wherein thelocation data is used to determine a regulatory domain for communicationtransmissions of the device, including any permissible/restrictedoperating transmit power levels; and re-start the retrieval of thelocation data following an event trigger, wherein the event trigger isat least one of: the powering up of the device, or the passage of a setamount of time since a last location update.
 9. The device of claim 8,wherein the device is an access point.
 10. The device of claim 9,wherein the wireless network is an IEEE 802.11-class network.
 11. Thedevice of claim 8, wherein the device is a master device.
 12. The deviceof claim 8, wherein the location data represents a location of thedevice in the wireless network.
 13. The device of claim 8, wherein theprocessor is further configured to: determine the regulatory domainaccording to the location data; retrieve transmission parameterscorresponding to the regulatory domain from a memory of the device; andconfigure the transmitter with one or more of (i) a transmissionfrequency range and (ii) a transmission power according to thetransmission parameters.
 14. The device of claim 8, wherein theprocessor is configured, in order to analyze transmissions with thecellular network, to: receive a transmission from a client device thatcontains location information of the client device.
 15. A non-transitorycomputer-readable medium storing a computer program executable by aprocessor of a device having a communications sub-system, to configurethe processor to: retrieve location data from at least one of: aninternal global positioning system (GPS) module, or an analysis oftransmissions with a cellular network, wherein the location data is usedto determine a regulatory domain for communication transmissions of thedevice, including any permissible/restricted operating transmit powerlevels; and re-start the retrieval of the location data following anevent trigger, wherein the event trigger is at least one of: thepowering up of the device, or the passage of a set amount of time sincea last location update.
 16. The non-transitory computer-readable mediumof claim 15, wherein the device is an access point.
 17. Thenon-transitory computer-readable medium of claim 16, wherein thewireless network is an IEEE 802.11-class network.
 18. The non-transitorycomputer-readable medium of claim 15, wherein the device is a masterdevice.
 19. The non-transitory computer-readable medium of claim 15,wherein the location data represents a location of the device in thewireless network.
 20. The non-transitory computer-readable medium ofclaim 15, wherein execution of the computer program further configuresthe processor to: determine the regulatory domain according to thelocation data; retrieve transmission parameters corresponding to theregulatory domain from a memory of the device; and configure atransmitter of the communications sub-system with one or more of (i) atransmission frequency range and (ii) a transmission power according tothe transmission parameters.